
•^ **^ 



E... 



Author. 



Title 



Imprint. 



Ift— 4787»-9 flPO 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



003 229 442 A 



Peter's Journal 



OP THE 



First Presidential Count 



AND 



Washington's Inauguration 



SHOWING HOW 



Vice-President Adams 



Got Ahead in the Ceremony 



Edited by "Historicus" 



.'4 



NEW YORK 



Printed for the Proprietor and for Sale by all Respect- 
able Booksellers and Newsdealers 

1885 

(I>R,ICE lO CIQNTS ) 



COPTRIGHT BY 

W. M. OSBORN 

1885 



« 



n 



•Ir • 



PETER'S JOURNAL 



OF 



Washington's First Inaupration. 



This sixth day of April, 1789, there being a quorum 
of both houses of Congress of the United States 
ill session in the city of New York, John Langdon, 
a Senator from Jifew Hampshire, was chosen Presi- 
dent of the Senate for the purpose of counting the 
votes for President and Vice President, after which 
the ballots of the electors of the several States were 
respectively opened and examined. By this exam- 
ination it was found that the whole number of votes 
was sixty-nine, of which His Excellency George 
Washington had all, and was unanimously elected 
President, and the Honorable John Adams had thir- 
ty-four, and was elected Vice-President. After the 
canvassing was concluded. His Excellency George 
Washington was proclaimed President, and the 
Honorable John Adams Vice-President of the 
United States. Charles Thomson, Esq., who had 
been Secretary of previous Congresses was then ap- 
pointed to inform the President, and Mr. Sylvanus 
Bourne to inform the Vice-P;:esident of their respec- 
tive elections, with all expedition. These gentle- 
men will depart on the important embassy early 

Copyright by W. M. OsborD, 1835. 



to-morrow luoruiug — one for Virginia, the other on 
the road to Boston. It is reasonably expected that 
their Excellencies will arrive at Kew York within a 
fortnight. 

Tuesday, Aiml 'i, 1789 ;— A superb barge is now 
being built, elegantly decorated and prepared to re- 
ceive the beloved soldier and statesman at Eliza- 
beth Town Point and to conduct him to the end of 
his journey. The plan of operation laid down for 
the escort of His Excellency from Philadelphia is as 
follows : The Philadelphia troop is to conduct him 
to Trenton, the Hunterdon horse to Eocky Hill, the 
Somerset horse to Brunswick, the Middlesex horse 
to VVoodbridge, and the Essex horse to the barge. 
It is hoped that on this joyful occasion the counte- 
nance of every friend to his country may bespeak 
pleasure, and that our enemies, if there are any 
amongst us, will not have the audacity to even look 
upon his person. 

Wednesday^ Aiyril 15, 1789; — In the House of 
Kepresentatives, Mr. Egbert Benson, of ISTew York, 
from the committee appointed to confer with a 
committee of the Senate upon the subject of ar- 
rangements for the reception of the President and 
Vice-President, reported that Mr. Osgood, the pro- 
prietor of the house lately occupied by the Presi- 
dent of Congress, be requested to put the same and 
the furniture thereof in proper condition for the res^ 
idence and use of the President of the United 
States, and otherwise, at the expense of the United 
Stdtes, to provide for his temporary accommod^^ 



tion. Also, that it will be most eligible in tlie first 
instance, that a committee of three members for the 
Senate and five for the House of Representatives, to 
be appointed by the houses respectively, attend to 
receive the President, at such place as he shall em- 
bark at from '^ew Jersey for ISTew York, and conduct 
him without form to the house lately occupied by 
the President of Confiress. 



'is' 



Monday, April 20, 1789 :— Amidst the acclama- 
tions of all ranks of citizens, His Excellency John 
Adams, Esq., Vice-President of the United States, 
arrived in New York. The cavalcade which escorted 
His Excellency into the city was numerous and 
truly respectable. From the Connecticut line to 
Kingsbridge he was attended by the light horse of 
West Chester County under the command of Major 
Pintard. At Kingsbridge, he was met by G(meral 
Malcom with the officers of his brigade and the city 
trooj) of horse commanded by Captain Stakes ; also, 
by officers of distinction, many members of Congress 
and a large number of citizens in carriages and on 
horseback. While passing the Fort a federal salute 
was tired. His Excellency alighted at the home of 
the Honorable John Jay, P]sq., in Broadway, where 
the committee of both houses of Congress, appointed 
for that purpose, attended to congratulate His Ex- 
cellency on his arrival. 

Tuesday, April 21 .• — A committee of the Senate, 
consisting of Mr. Caleb Strong, of Massachusetts, 
and Mr. Ralph Izard, of South Carolina, conducted 
the Vice-President to the Senate Chamber^ whe?*:? 



Mr. Langdon, tbe President 2^^o tempore, left the 
chair and, addressing the Vice-President, said " That 
he had it in charge from the Senate to introduce him 
to the chair of the house and to congratulate him on 
his appointment to the office of Vice-President of 
the United States of America." He then conducted 
the Vice-President to the chair, who addressed the 
Senate to the following purport : 

Gentlemen of the Senate : — '' Invited to this respect- 
able situation by the suffrages of our fellow-citizens, 
according to the Constitution, I have thought it my 
duty cheerfully and readily to accept it. Unaccus- 
tomed to refuse any public service, however dan- 
gerous to my reputation or disproportioned to my 
talents, it would have been inconsistent to have 
adopted another maxim of conduct at this time, 
when the prosperity of the country and the liberties 
of the people require perhaps as much as ever the 
attention of those who possess any share of the pub- 
lic confidence. 

" I should be destitute of sensibility if, upon my 
arrival in this city and presentation to this Legisla- 
ture, and especially to this Senate, if I could see 
without emotion so many of those characters of 
whose virtuous exertions I have so often been a wit- 
ness ; from whose countenances and examples I have 
ever derived encouragement and animation ; whose 
disinterested friendship has supported me in many 
intricate conjunctures of public atfairs at home and 
abroad. Those celebrated defenders of the liberties 
of this country ,^whom menaces could not intimidate, 
corruption seduce, nor flattery allure ; those intrepid 
asserters of the rights of mankind, whose philosophy 



6 

and policy have enlightened the world in twenty 
years inore than it was ever before enlightened in 
many centuries by ancient schools or modern uni- 
versities. 

'' I must have been inattentive to the course of 
events if I were either ignorant of the same or in- 
sensible to the merit of those other characters in the 
Senate to whom it has been my misfortune to have 
been, hitherto, personally unknown. 

" It is with satisfaction that I congratulate the peo- 
ple of America on the formation of a National Con- 
stitution, and the fair prospect of a consistent ad- 
ministration of a government of laws : On the ac- 
quisition of a House of Kepreseutatives chosen by 
themselves, of a Senate thus composed by their own 
State legislatures, and on the prospect of an execu- 
tive authority in the hands of one whose portrait I 
shall not presume to draw. Were I blessed with 
powers to do justice to his character it would be im- 
possible to increase the confidence or affection of 
his country or make the smallest addition to his 
glory. This can only be effected by a discharge of 
the present exalted trust on the same principles, 
with the same abilities and virtues which have uni- 
formly appeared in all his former conduct, public or 
l^rivate. May I nevertheless be indulged to inquire, 
if we look over the catalogue of the first magistrates 
of nations, whether they have been denominated 
Presidents or Consuls, Kings or Princes, where 
shall we find one whose commanding talents and 
virtues, whose overruling good fortune have so com- 
pletely united all hearts and voices in his favor? 
Who enjoyed the esteem and admiration of foreign 



6 

nations and fellow-citizens with equal unanimity ? 
Qualities so nucomnion are no coniinon blessing to 
the country that possesses them. By those great 
qualities, and being their effects, has Providence 
marked out the head of this nation with an hand so 
distinctly visible as to have been seen by all men 
and mistaken by none. 

" It is not for me to interrupt your deliberations by 
any general observations on the state of the nation, 
or by recommending or proposing any particular 
measures. It would be superfluous to gentlemen of 
your great experience to urge the necessity of order. 
It is only necessary to make an apology for myself. 
Not wholly without experience in public assemblies, 
I have been more accustomed to take a share in 
their debates than to preside in their deliberations. 
It shall be my constant endeavor to behave towards 
every member of this honorable body with all that 
consideration, delicacy and decorum which becomes 
the dignity of his station and character. But if from 
inexperience or inadvertency anything should ever 
escape me inconsistent with propriety, I must en- 
treat you, by imputing it to its true cause, and not 
to any want of resi)ect, to pardon and excuse it. 

" A trust of the greatest magnitude is committed 
to this legislature— and the eyes of the world are 
upon you. Your country expects, from the results 
of your deliberations, in concurrence with the other 
branches of government, consideration abroad and 
contentment at home— prosperity, orderj justice, 
peace and liberty. And may God Almighty's provi- 
dence assist you to answer their just expectations." 



Wednesday^ April 22, 1789 :— Charles Thomson, 
who was despatched by Congress on the 7th of April, 
reached Monnt Vernon on the 14th and officially 
informed General Washington of his election, who 
immediately commenced his jonrney to New York, 
receiving npon his route addresses and other evi- 
dences of welcome at every principal place he 
passed through. 

On the morning of the 18th, His Excellency Thomas 
Mifflin, Esq., President of Pennsylvania, the Hon. 
Richard Peters, Esq., Speaker of the Legislature, 
and the old City troop of horse commanded by 
Colonel ISTiles, proceeded from Philadelphia as far 
as the line of Delaware, " under the pleasing ex- 
pectation of meeting our beloved Washington, 
President-General of the United States. We were, 
however, disappointed," says one of the party, '' as 
he did not arrive at the line till early the next morn- 
ing, when we were joined by another troop from the 
city commanded by Captain Bingham. After pay- 
ing him the tribute of military honor due to his 
rank and exalted character by proper salutes and 
otherwise, we escorted him into Chester, where 
we breakfasted and rested perhaps a couple of 
hours." 

*'This great and worthy man, finding he could not 
elude the parade which necessarily must attend mani- 
festations of joy and affection, when displayed by 
a grateful people to their patriot benefactor, ordered 
his carriages into the rear of the whole line, and 
mounted an elegant horse, accompanied by the ven- 
erable patriot Charles Thomson, Esq., and his for- 
mer Aid-de-Camp, the celebrated Col. Humphries, 



8 

both of whom were also on horseback. On our way 
to the city we were joined by detachments from the 
Chester and Philadelphia troops of horse, com- 
manded by Captains McDowell and Thomson, and 
also by a number of respectable citizens at whose 
head was the citizen and soldier. His Excellency 
Arthur St. Clair, Esq., Governor of the Western 
territory. Thus we proceeded to Mr. Grey's bridge 
on Schuylkill, observing the strictest order and regu- 
larity during the march. But here such a scene 
presented itself that even the pencil of a Kaphael 
could not delineate. The bridge was highly dec- 
orated with laurel and other evergreens, by Mr. 
Grey himself, the ingenious artist Mr. Peale, and 
others, in such a style as to display uncommon taste 
in these gentlemen. At each end there were erected 
magnificent arches composed of laurel, emblemati- 
cal of the ancient triumphal arches used by the Ro- 
mans, and on each side of the bridge a laurel shrub- 
bery, which seemed to challenge even Nature her- 
self for simplicity, ease and elegance. And as our 
beloved Washington passed the bridge a lad beau- 
tifully ornamented with sprigs of laurel, assisted by 
a certain machinery, let drop above the Hero's head, 
unperceived by him, a civic crown of laurel. There 
was also a very elegant display of variegated flags, 
on each side of the bridge, as well as other places, 
which alternately caught the eye and filled the spec- 
tator's soul with admiration and delight. 

" But who can describe the heartfelt gratulation of 
more than twenty thousand free citizens, who lined 
every fence, field and avenue between the bridge 
and the city. The aged sire, the venerable matron, 



the blooming virgin and the ruddy youth were all 
emulous in their plaudits. Nay ! the lisping infant 
did not withhold its innocent smile of praise and 
approbation. In short, all classes and descriptions 
of citizens discovered (and they felt what they dis- 
covered) the most undisguised attachment and un- 
bounded zeal for their dear chief, and I may add 
under God, the Savior of their country. Not all the 
pomp of majesty, not even imperial dignity itself 
surrounded with its usual splendor and magnificence 
could equal this interesting scene. 

** On approaching near the city our illustrious chief 
was highly gratified with a further military display 
of infantry, commanded by Oapt. James Rees, and 
artillery, commanded by Oapt. Jeremiah Fisher, two 
active and able oflScers. And here I must not omit 
to give due praise to that worthy veteran, Major 
Fullerton, for his zeal, activity and good conduct on 
this occasion. The corps joined the procession and 
thousands of freemen, whose hearts burned with pa- 
triotic fire, also fell into the ranks almost every 
square we marched until the column swelled beyond 
amaze, and raptures of a grateful people broke 
forth in such emphatical expressions as Long Live 
George Washington, the Father of the People !" An 
elegant entertainment of two hundred and fifty 
covers, prepared for His Excellency by the citizens, 
was celebrated at the City Tavern, at which a num- 
ber of toasts were drank, attended by the discharge 
of ordnance, and a band of music. Two ships in the 
Delaware were handsomely dressed. A variety of 
addresses, from classes, judicial, civil, military and 
maritime, were presented to His Excellency expres- 



10 

sive of the occasion. To which His Excellency was 
pleased to return respective replies couched in terms 
which indicate that the first chair in the Union will 
be ornamented with the essence of republican vir- 
tues—dignified humility. "How excellent is glory 
when earned by virtue !" How different is power 
when derived from its only just source, the people 
— from that which is derived from hereditary sac- 
cession ! The first magistrates of the nations of 
Europe assume the titles of Gods and treat their 
subjects like an inferior race of animals. Washing- 
ton delights to show that he is a man, and, instead 
of assuming the pomp of master, acts as if he con- 
sidered himself the friend of the people. 

On the morning of the 21st, His Excellency con- 
tinued his journey through New Jersey, and about 
three o'clock was conducted into Trenton by civil 
and military and an admiring concourse. Trenton 
has been twice memorable during the war ; once by 
the capture of the Hessians, and again by the re- 
pulse of the whole British army in their attempt to 
cross the bridge, the evening before the battle of 
Princeton. Eecollecting these memorable circum- 
stances, the ladies of Trenton forujed a design and 
carried it into execution, solely under their di- 
rection, to testify to His Excellency, by the cele- 
bration of these actions, the grateful sense they 
retained of the safety and protection afforded by him 
to the daughters of New Jersey. A triumphal arch 
was raised . on the bridge, twenty feet wide, sup- 
ported by thirteen pillars. The center of the arch 
from the ground was about twenty feet. Each pil- 



11 

lar was eutwined with wreaths of evergreen. Tbe 
arch, which extended about twelve feet along the 
bridge, was covered with laurel and decorated on 
the inside with evergreens and flowers. On the 
front of the arch, or that side to which His Excel- 
lency approached, was the following inscription in 
large gilt letters : " The Defender of the Mothers 
will be the Protector of the Daughters." The up- 
per and lower sides of this iu scrip tion were orna- 
mented with wreaths of evergreens and artificial 
flowers of all kinds, made for the purpose, beauti- 
fully interspersed. On the center of the arch, above 
the inscription, was a dome or cupola of flowers and 
evergreens, encircling the dates of those glorious 
actions inscribed in large gilt letters. The summit 
of the dome displayed a large sunflower, which, 
pointing to the sun, was designed to express the 
sentiment or motto, " To You Alone," as emblematic 
of the unparalleled unanimity of sentiment in the 
millions of the United j^tates. 

A numerous train of ladies, leadiug their daugh- 
's at their hands, assembled at the arch thus to 
thav^k their Defender and Protector. As His Ex- 
. cy passed under the arch he was addressed in 
the fVlowing sonata, composed and set to music 
for the occasion, and sung by a number of young 
misses dressed in white and crowned with wreaths 
and chaplets of flowers : — 

Welcome ! mighty chief, once more. 
Welcome to this grateful shore; 
Now no mercenary foe 
Aims again the fatal blow — 
Aims at thee the fatal blow 




12 

Virgins fair, and matrons grave, 
Those thy conq'ring arms did save 
Build for thee triumphal bowers. 
Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers — 
Strew your Hero's way with flowers. 

Each of the singers held a basket in their hands, 
filled with flowers, which, when they sung, " Strew 
your Hero's way with flowers," they scattered before 
him. 

His Excellency being presented with a copy of 
the sonata, was pleased to address the following card 
to the ladies : 

To the ladies of Trenton, who were assembled on 
the 21st day of April, 1789, at the Triumphal Arch 
erected by them on the bridge which extends across 
Assanpiuck Greek : 

" General Washington cannot leave this place 
without expressing his acknowledgements to the 
matrons and young ladies who received him in so 
novel and grateful a manner at the Triumi^hal Arch 
in Trenton, for the exquisite sensations he experi- 
enced in that affecting moment. The astonishing 
contrast between his former and actual condition at 
the same spot — the elegant taste with which it was 
adorned for the present occasion, and the innocent 
appearance of the white-robed choir, who met him 
with the gratulatory song, have made such an im- 
pression on his remembrance, as he assures them, 
will never be effaced." 

Wednesday, Ai)ril 23, 1789 :— At Elizabeth Town, 
Kew Jersey, His Excellency was received by a depu- 
tation of three Senators and five Eepresentatives ot 



IS 

the United States and three officers of the State 
and Corporation, with whom he embarked on the 
barge built for the purpose of wafting him across 
the bay. Thirteen pilots in white uniform rowed 
this barge, Thomas Eandall, Esq., acting as cock- 
swain. It is impossible to do justice in an attempt 
to describe the scene exhibited on His Excellency's 
approach to New York. Innumerable multitudes 
thronged the shores, the wharves and the shipping, 
waiting with pleasiug anticipation his arrival. His 
Catholic Majesty's sloop of war, the Galviston, the 
ship North Carolina, belonging to Arnold H. Dolh- 
man, Esq., and other vessels were dressed, manned 
and highly decorated. His Excellency's barge was ac- 
companied by several other barges, in one of which 
was the Honorable the Board of Treasurv, the Min- 
ister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary at War, 
besides a long train of vessels and boats from New 
Jersey and New York. As he passed the Galviston 
she tired a salute of thirteen guns. The ship North 
Carolina and the Battery also welcomed his ap- 
l)roach with the same number. In one of the sloops 
which composed the little fleet that attended His 
Excellency's barge, there were a number of ladies 
and gentlemen who sung several sweet and delight- 
ful airs, and in particular an ode composed for the 
occasion with all its parts in full chorus. The voices 
of the ladies were as much superior to the flutes that 
played to the stroke of the oars in Cleopatra's silken 
corded barge, as the very superior and glorious wa- 
ter scene of New York bay exceeds the silver Cyd- 
nus in all its pride. With rapture one might dwell 
upon this interesting subject, and wander into the 



14 

fields of fancy for expressions to paint the various 
and delightful appearances that vied with each other, 
at the same time to welcome the great and illustri- 
ous man to our now happy city. 

ODE. 

Sung on the arrival of the President of the United States. 
Tune :—" God Save," (&c. 



Composed by Mr. L * *. 



Hail thou the auspicious day 
Far let America 

Thy praise resound, 
Joy to our native land ! 
Let every heart expand, 
For Washington 's at hand, 

With Glory crown'd. 

Thrice blest Columbians hail! 
Behold, before the gale, 

Your Chief advance ; 
The matchless Hero 's nigh! 
Applaud him to the sky, 
Who gave you Liberty, 

With gen'rous France. 

Illustrious Warrior hail ! 
Oft did thy sword prevail 

O'er hosts of foes; 
Come and fresh laurels claim, 
Still dearer make thy namti, 
Long as immortal faine 

Her trumpet blows ! 

Thrice welcome to this shore. 
Our Leader now no more; 

But Ruler thou ; 
Oh truly good and great! 
Long live to glad our State, 
Where countless honors wait 
To deck thy brow. 



15 

Far be the din of arms, 
Henceforth the Olive's charms 
Shall War preclude ; 

These shores a Read shall own. 
Unsullied by a throne, 
Our much-loved Washington, 
The Great, the Good. 

On His Excellency's arrival at the stairs at Mur- 
ray's wharf, prepared and ornamented for his land- 
ing, he was saluted by Captain Van Dyck's artillery, 
and received and congratulated by His Excellency 
Governor Clinton, and the oflficers of the State and 
Corporation, after which a procession of military 
and other distinguished personages, followed by an 
immense concourse of citizens, moved through 
Queen street to the house prepared for the reception 
of the President, from whence he was conducted 
without form to the Governor's, where he dined. 

This great occasion has arrested the public atten- 
tion beyond all j)ower of description. The hand of 
industry has been suspended and the various pleas- 
ures of the Capital are concentrated to a single en- 
joyment. All ranks and professions express their 
feelings in loud acclamations and with rapture hail 
the arrival of the Father of His Country. The city 
has been illuminated this evening, the transparent 
paintings in various quarters doing great honor to 
the ingenuity and public spirit of the parties con- 
cerned in their exhibition. 

Thursday, Airril 30, 1789 .-—The inauguration of 
the President of the United States was solemnized 
to-day. At nine o'clock, the people assembled in 
the various churches, with the clergy of the respec- 



16 

tive cleDomiuatious, to implore the blessings of 
Heaven upon the new Government, its favor and 
protection to the President, and success and accept- 
ance to his administration. At noon, the procession 
moved from the home of the President, in Cherry 
Street, through Queen, Great-Dock and Broad 
Streets, to Congress Hall, in the following order : 

Col. Lewis and two Officers. 

Capt. Stakes, Troop of Horse. 

Artillery —Ma joTi Van Horne. 

Grenadiers under Capt. Harsin. 

German Grenadiers under Capt. Scriba. 

Major Bicker — Infantry — Major Christie. 

Sheriff on Horseback. 

Committee of the Senate. 

The President, and Suite with assistants and Civil Officers on either 

side. 

Committee of the Representatives. 

Hon. Mr. Jay, Gen. Knox, Chancellor Livingston, 

And several gentlemen of distinction. 

When within a proper distance of the hall, 
the trooi)S formed a line on both sides of the 
way. The President, passing through, was conducted 
into the Senate Chamber and introduced to both 
houses of Congress. Immediately after, accom- 
panied by the two houses, he was conducted into the 
gallery adjoining the Senate Chamber and fronting 
Broad Street, which was decorated with a canopy 
and curtains of red interstreaked with white for the 
solemn occasion. There, in the presence of an im- 
mense concourse of citizens, the oath prescribed by 
the Constitution was administered to him by the 
Hon. E. R. Livingston, Chancellor of the State of 
New York. The Chancellor then proclaimed him 
President of the United States, which was followed 



17 

by the instant discliarge of thirteen cannon and loud 
repeated shouts. The President bowing to the peo- 
ple, the air then rang with acclamations. He then 
retired with the two houses to the Senate Chamber, 
where he delivered the following speech : 

Fellow- Citizens of the Senate and of the House of 
Represen tatives. 
Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event 
could have filled me with greater anxieties than that 
of which the notification was transmitted by your or- 
der, and received on the 14th day of the present 
month. On the one hand I was summoned by my 
country, whose voice I can never hear but with ven- 
eration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen 
with the fondest predilection, and in my flattering 
hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of 
my declining years. A retreat which was rendered 
every day more necessary as well as more dear to me, 
by addition of habit to inclination and of frequent in- 
terruptions in health, to the gradual waste commit- 
ted on it by time. On the other hand the magnitude 
and diflSculty of the trust to which the voice of my 
country called me, being sufficient to awaken the 
wisest and most experienced of her citizens, a dis- 
trustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not 
but overwhelm with despondence, one, who, inher- 
iting inferior endciVments from nature, and unprac- 
ticed in the duties of civil administration, ought to 
be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies. In 
this conflict of emotions, all I dare aver is that it 
has been my faithful study to collect my duty 
from a just appreciation of every circumstance by 



18 

wMcli it might be effected. All I dare hope is, that 
if in execntiiig this task, I have been too much 
swayed by a grateful remembrance of former in- 
stances, or by an affectionate sensibility to this 
transcendent proof of the confidence of my fellow- 
citizens, and have thence too little consulted my in- 
capacity as well as disinclination for the weighty 
and untried cares before me ; my error will be pal- 
liated by the motives which mislead me, and its con- 
sequences be judged by my country, with some share 
of the partiality in which they originated. 

Such being the impressions under which I have, 
in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the 
present station, it would be peculiarly improper to 
omit in this first olBScial act, my fervent supplica- 
tions to that Almighty Being, who rules over the 
universe, — who presides in the councils of nations, 
and whose providential aids can supply every hu- 
man defect, that His benediction may consecrate 
to the liberties and happiness of the peoj)le of the 
United States, a government instituted by them- 
selves for their essential purposes ; and may enable 
every instrument employed in its administration to 
execute with success the functions allotted to his 
charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Au- 
thor of every public and private good, I assure my- 
self that it expresses your sentiments not less than 
my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, 
less than either. No people can be bound to ac- 
knowledge and adore the invisible hand which con- 
ducts the affairs of men, more than the people of 
the United States. Every step, by which they have 
advanced to the character of an independent nation, 



19 

seems to have been distiuguished by some token of 
providential agency ; and in the important revolu- 
tion just accomplished in the system of their united 
government, the tranquil deliberations and volun- 
tary consent of so many distinct communities, from 
which the event has resulted, cannot be compared 
with the means by which most governments have 
been established, without some return of pious 
gratitude along with an humble anticipation of the 
future blessings which the past seem to presage. 
These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, 
have forced themselves too strongly on my mind 
to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust 
in thinking that there are none under the influence 
of which the proceedings of a new and free govern- 
ment can more auspiciously commence. 

By the article establishing the Executive Depart- 
ment it is made the duty of the President " to rec- 
ommend to your consideration such measures as he 
shall judge necessary and expedient." The circum- 
stances under which I now meet you will acquit me 
from entering into that subject, farther than to refer 
to the great constitutional charter under which you 
are assembled, and which, in defining your power, 
designates the objects to which your attention is to 
be given. It will be more consistent with those cir- 
cumstances, and far more congenial with the feelings 
which actuate me, to substitute in place of a recom- 
mendation of particular measures, the tribute that 
is due to the talents, rectitude and the patriotism 
which adorn the characters selected to devise and 
adopt them. In these honorable qualifications I be- 
hold the earnest pledges, that as on one side, no local 



20 

prejudices, or attachments ; no separate views nor 
party animosities will misdirect the comprehensive 
and equal eye which ought to watch over this great 
assemblage of communities and interests. So, on 
another, that the foundations of our national policy 
will belaid in the pure and immutable principles of 
private morality, and the pre-eminence of free gov- 
ernment be exemplified by all the attributes which 
can win the affections of its citizens, and command 
the respect of the world. I dwell on this prospect 
with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my 
country can inspire. Since there is no truth more 
thoroughly established than that there exists in the 
economy and course of nature an indissoluble union 
between virtue and happiness, between duty and ad- 
vantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest 
and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of 
public prosperity and felicity. Since we ought to 
be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of 
Heaven can never be expected on a nation that dis- 
regards the eternal rules of order and right, which 
Heaven itself has ordained ; and since the preser- 
vation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of 
the Republican model of government are justly con- 
sidered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the 
experiment entrusted to the hands of the American 
people. 

Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your 
care, it will remain with your judgment to decide 
how far an exercise of the occasional power dele- 
gated by the fifth article of the Constitution is ren- 
dered expedient at the present juncture, by the na- 
ture of objections which have been urged against 



21 

the system, or by the decree of inquietude which 
has given birth to them. Instead of undertaking 
particular recommendations on this subject, in which 
I could be guided by no lights derived from oflScial 
opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire 
coufidence in your discernment and pursuit of the 
public good. For I assure myself that whilst you 
carefully avoid every alteration which might endan- 
ger the benefits of an united and effective govern- 
ment, or which ought to await the future lessons of 
experience, a reverence for the characteristic rights 
of freemen, and a regard for the public harmony, 
will sufficiently influence your deliberations on the 
.question how far the former can be more impregna- 
bly fortified, or the latter be safely and advantage- 
ously promoted. 

To the preceding observations I have one to add, 
which will be most properly addressed to the House 
of Eepresentatives. It concerns myself, and will, 
therefore, be as brief as possible. When I was first 
honored with a call into the service of my country, 
then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its liber- 
ties, the light iu which I contemplated my duty re- 
quired that I should renounce every pecuniary com- 
pensation. From this resolution I have in no in- 
stance departed. And being still under the impres- 
sion which produced it, I must decline as inapplicable 
to myself, any share in the personal emoluments, 
which may be indispensably included in a perma- 
nent provision for the executive department, and 
must accordingly pray that the pecuniary estimates 
for the station in which I am placed may, during 
my continuance in it, be limited to such actual ex- 



22 , 

penditures as the public good may be thought to 
require. 

Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as 
they have been awakened by the occasion which 
brings us together, I shall take my present leave, 
but not without resorting once more to the benign 
Parent of the human race, in humble supplication, 
that since He has been pleased to favor the Ameri- 
can people with opportunities for deliberating in 
perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding 
with unparalleled unanimity on a form of govern- 
ment, for the security of their Union, and the ad- 
vancement of their happiness ; so His divine bless- 
ing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged 
views, the temperate consultations, and the wise 
measures ou which the success of this Government 
must deijend. 

Immediately after the delivery of bis speech. 
President Washington, accompanied by the Vice- 
President, the Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives and both houses of Congress, proceeded on foot 
to St. Paul's Church, where divine service suitable 
to the occasion was performed by the Right Rever- 
end Dr. Provoost, Bishop of the Episcopal Church iu 
the State of New York, and Chaplain to the Senate. 
From the church the attendants severally left for 
their respective homes. 

The transparent paintings exhibited in various 
parts of the city in the evening have been equal at 
least to anything of the kind ever before seen in 
America. That displayed before the fort at the bot- 
tom of Broaclway did great Uouor to its inventors and 



23 

executors for the ingenuity of the design and good- 
ness of the workmanship. It was finely lighted and 
advantageously situated. The Virtues— Fortitude 
(the President), Justice (the Senate), and Wis- 
dom (the Eepresentatives of the United States), 
were judiciously applied. Of the first all Amer- 
ica has had the fullest evidence ; and with re- 
spect to the two others, who does not enter- 
tain the most pleasing anticipations ! His Ex- 
cellency, Don Gardoqui's residence fixed the eye 
in pleasing contemplation, the whole forming a 
most brilliant front ; the figures were well fancied ; 
tbe graces suggested the best ideas, ^nd the pleas- 
ing variety of emblems, flowers, shrubbery and 
arches, and, above all, the moving pictures that fig- 
ured in the windows, or, as it were, in the back- 
ground, by fixing the transparencies between the 
windows, afforded a new and enchanting si^ectacle. 
The residence of His Excellency Count Moustier was 
illuminated in a style of novel elegance; the splen- 
did bordering of lamps around the windows and 
doors, with the fancy pieces in each window and the 
large designs in front did great honor to the taste 
and sentiment of the designer. 

The portrait of General Washington exhibited in 
Broad Street was extremely well executed, and the 
transparency shown at the theatre and at the corner 
near the Fly Market was perfect in its purpose and 
parts. The illumination of the Congress Hall, in 
which the inauguration had taken place, is consid- 
ered by many as the most agreeable of the exhibi- 
tions of the evening, while the ship Carolina formed 
a beautiful pyraipid of stairs, The evening has 



24 



been pleasant, the company innumerable, every one 
appears to have enjoyed the scene, and no accident 
has cast the smallest cloud upon the retrospect. 

The President appeared at the inauguration 
dressed in a complete suit of homespun clothes; but 
the cloth was of so fine a fabric and so handsomely 
finished that it was universally mistaken for a for- 
eign manufactiu:ed superfine cloth. The Vice- 
President also appeared in a suit of American man- 
ufacture, while several members of both houses 
were distinguished by the same token of attention 
to the manufacturing interest of their country. 



Announcement. 



It is the intention ' of the proprietor of ' ' PETER'S 
JOURNAL, OF THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL COUNT AND 
TVASHING-TON'S INAUGU'RATION," to print at an early | 
day. 

THE PAMPHLET, 

AN OCCASIONAL PUBLICATION, 

NOT A NEWSPAPER, 

In "Which topics of general interest to the public will be- 
treated in an independent, unbiassed, and responsible 
manner. It will appear as the times and demands of the 
people require. Subscriptions for it will not be received. 
Persons desiring it will find copies for sale on the counters j 
of all respectable booksellers and newsdealers, and due 
notice will be given of its publication. 

THE PAMPHLET. 

New York, February 14. 1885. 



